Attachable spray can actuation mechanism



March 17, 1970 G. ANDRl-:oLl 3,501,066

A'ITAGHABLE SPRAY GAN ACTUATION MECHANISM Filed March 11, 1968 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 yrby, M2570 yMmh 17, `1970 ANDREOL. 3,501,066

ATTACHABLE `SPRAY CAN ACTUATION MECHANISM Filed March 11, 1968 4 Sheets-Shea?l 2 G. ANDREoLl 3,501,066

ATTACHABLE SPRAY CAN ACTUATION MECHANISM March 17, 1970 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 11, 1968 G. ANDREOLI March 17, 1970 3,501,066

ATTACHABLE SPRAY CAN ACTUATION MEGHANISM 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed March l1, 1968 /A/f/Vme G/A/v/v/ @wenn 5V rrys.

United States Patent O ATTACHABLE SPRAY CAN ACTUATION MECHANISM Gianni Andreoli, Lucerne, Switzerland, assignor, by mesne assignments, to Spray-Boy GmbH, Seerose, Stansstad, Switzerland Filed Mar. 11, 1968, Ser. No. 712,048 Claims priority, application Switzerland, Mar. 17, 1967, 3,939/ 67 Int. Cl. B65d 83/00 U.S. Cl. Z22-402.13 14 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An actuation mechanism capable of being attached t a spray can having a valve knob member constructed as a spray nozzle provided with a nozzle opening. This actuation mechanism incorporates an actuation member for actuating the spray nozzle. A negative pressure chamber encloses the spray nozzle in order to commingle dosed directed air with the spray jet coming from the spray nozzle. A spray jet discharge tube is provided at the negative pressure chamber and such discharge tube is located in front of the nozzle opening and at least approximately in alignment with its spray jet. An air infeed channel faces away from the spray nozzle and such air infeed channel is approximately aligned with the spray jet. Further, means are provided which are actuatable lby the actuation member or formed by the latter and which permit regulation of the quantity of air which is sucked through the air infeed channel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an improved actuation mechanism which can be mounted upon a spray can, this actuation mechanism being of the type incorporating an actuation member which acts upon the valve knob of the spray can which is constructed as a spray nozzle.

With such type known devices, a certain amount of attention has indeed been given to the constructional shape with regard to providing for a secure attachment and comfortable manipulation or handling. However, the prior art attachment devices possess the drawback that they fail to take into any consideration the air admixing with the spray jet.

Now, it is clear that depending upon the characteristics of the incoming air, especially with regard to quantity and direction, these factors have an importance which cannot be underestimated. This is so because they tend to more or less influence the spray jet and impair such with regard to its uniformity and form. Thus, for example, when spraying paints or colors it is important that there is provided a particularly uniform distribution, whereas, for instance, with air deodorants it is necessary to have a particularly `tine spray or mist for the purpose of achieving the quickest evaporation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is a primary object of the invention to provide an improved actuation mechanism for attachment to a spray can which effectively overcomes the drawbacks which are inherently associated with prior art attachable spray can actuation mechanisms and also occur when using spray cans which do not have any special actuation mechanism.

Another, more specific object of the present invention relates to an improved actuation mechanism for a spray can which enables achievement of quite favorable spray conditions in a controlled manner.

Still a further significant object of the present inven- Patented Mar. 17, 1970 tion relates to an actuation mechanism which can be detachably secured to a spray can and possesses a safety feature which is especially important if the spray can should accidentally come into the hands of children or other persons who are not familiar with its operation.

The aforementioned objects of the invention can be eifectively realized by the provision of the inventive actuation mechanism of the aforementioned type which is characterized by the features that there is provided a negative pressure chamber which encloses or encircles the spray nozzle in order to commingle dosed directed air` with the spray jet emanating from a nozzle opening of such spray nozzle. A spray jet discharge tube is provided at the negative pressure chamber and such discharge tube is located in front of the nozzle opening and at least approximately in alignment with its spray jet. An air infeed channel faces away from the spray nozzle and this last-mentioned channel is at least approximately aligned with the spray jet. The invention further contemplates the provision of means which are actuated by the actuation member for the spray nozzle or itself formed by such and which enable regulation of the quantity of air which can be sucked through the air infeed channel.

It is of advantage if at least a portion of the actuation member is defined -by a lever which is arranged in the air infeed channel. This lever then forms a wall portion of the channel, so that it is not only possible to control the channel cross-section, but rather also the direction of the air moving out of this channel and arriving at the spray nozzle.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to provide an impact member or means for the actuation lever. This impact member should be adjustable so that once the optimum valve opening has been determined it can be positively set so that during repeated actuation of the spray nozzle the user is ensured of achieving exactly similar results. Additionally, this impact member can be constructed in such a fashion that it can completely lock the actuation lever, and furthermore, the force necessary to carry out unlocking of this lever can be calculated such that it cannot be applied by a small child. As a result, there is provided an especially attractive safety feature for children in particular.

Now, if the spray jet discharge tube is constructed to be adjustable or exchangeable, or if there is provided insert members for the spray jet discharge tube which are adjustable or exchangeable, then it is possible to adapt the device particularly Well to the purpose at hand. This is so because the negative or reduced pressure in the nega tive pressure chamber which appears because of the ejector action in the discharge tube, is dependent upon the dimensions and the mutual position of the discharge tube and the spray jet. Naturally, the infed air also plays a certain role.

The additional provision of a compensation chamber which advantageously is arranged about the negative pressure chamber and communicates with the latter as Well as with the external air, ensures a still better admixture of air with the spray jet. It also provides the advantage that a dripping of the nozzle is prevented. Apart from this, it is possible to effectively accomodate for the drop in pressure in the can which occurs during use.

Furthermore, the annular compartment which is formed between the concentrically arranged negative pressure and compensation chambers advantageously corresponds to the annular bead which with conventional spray cans extends about the nozzle member, and thus it is possible to mount the apparatus upon this annular bead.

It is also to be mentioned that the inventive apparatus or mechanism can be formed of any desired type material, for instance plastic.

3 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other features, objects and advantages of the invention 'ill become apparent by referring to the following detiled description and drawings in which:

FIGURE l schematically illustrates the head of a spray in which is not provided with any cap mem-ber;

FIGURES 2 and 3 schematically depict the head of a :spective spray can provided Iwith two different construcons of cap member in order to explain the effect of such 1p members;

FIGURE 4 shows a possibility of partially overcoming 1e drawbacks which appear with the spray can of FIG- IRE 3 which is provided with a cap member;

FIGURES and 6 schematically illustrate a spray can quipped with an actuation mechanism of the type proided for by the teachings of the present invention, and :rve to explain the principles of the invention;

FIGURE 7' is a perspective view of an actuation mechnism designed according to the invention; and

FIGURE 8 is an exploded view of the inventive actuaon mechanism shown in FIGURE 7.

DETAILS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Before undertaking a comprehensive discussion of the gures, it should be understood that throughout the various gures generally the same reference numerals or charac- :rs have been employed for similar or analogous comonents.

With particular attention directed now to FIGURE l, 1ere is disclosed a spray can 1 equipped with a valve ozzle head or spray nozzle 2 having the usual nozzle pening, as shown, for the efflux of the spray jet 4. At the pper region of the spray can 1 there is provided an anular bead or projection 3. The entry of air is indicated y the arrows. Since the air has free access in an unconolled and undirected manner, it is not possible to obtain 1e best results.

Now, if a cap member 5 is seated upon the annular bead as shown in FIGURE 2 (this cap member 5 could also e located inside of the annular bead), in order to thus ecure a support to the spray can 1, then a very large pening or window 4a must be provided in the cap memer 5 in order to prevent an underpressure in the cap iember which would disadvantageously affect the spray :t 4.

If, now, as shown in FIGURE 3, only a very small openig or window 4b is provided in the cap member 5', then, s shown by the arrows, air will be sucked out of the cap iember on the one hand, and, furthermore, air -will again ow into the cap member 5. This necessarily results in a Jrbulence of the spray jet 4 during efflux out of the cap ie-mber 5.

Now, as shown in FIGURE 4, if the cap member 5 is rovided with an air infeed channel 6, then the spray jet will suck air through the aforementioned channel 6 in 1e direction of the arrows, so that owing to the thus irected stream of infed air from the channel 6 an imroved commingling of air with the spray jet 4 results. Ionetheless, the quantity of air cannot be regulated, this gain bringing about disadvantageous results.

Now, in FIGURES 5 and 6 the basic principles of the resent invention are illustrated in accordance with a preerred embodiment. In this instance, instead of a cap iember 5 or 5 or 5, as shown in FIGURES 1 to 4, and /hich is seated upon the annular bead 3, there is now irovided a cap member 7 which engages the annular bead l at the inside by means of the claw members 7 and orms a negative or reduced pressure chamber. The cap member 7 is provided with a spray jet discharge tube 8 hrough which escapes the spray jet 4, whereas air can nter the negative pressure chamber by means of the air lfeed channel 6, this air flowing in the direction of the ndicated arrows.

As best recognized by inspecting FIGURE 6, to provide n improved accommodation of the spray jet discharge tube 8 to the spray jet 4, it is possible to mount an insert member 8 in the discharge tube 8. This insert member 8' can be, for instance, adjustably positionable with respect to the spray nozzle 2 by providing suitable threading. Furthermore, it is possible by selecting a suitable insert member 8 having an appropriate diameter to also vary the ejector effect. Furthermore, as has been previously explained, it is conceivable to also make the discharge tube `8 adjustable or exchangeable.

In the embodiment of apparatus structure Shown in FIGURES 5 and 6 the air infeed channel 6 is not directly connected to the negative pressure chamber in the cap member 7. On the contrary, this air infeed channel 6 is secured to an external cap member 5" which is arranged concentrically about the inner cap member 7. Thisy external cap member 5 corresponds to the cap members 5, 5 and v5 reviewed in connection with FIGURES 2 to 4. Furthermore, the inner cap member 7 is provided with a suitable window or opening 7 to enable the entry of air coming from the air infeed channel 6. The described construction also provides for a compensation chamber which is formed by the annular compartment located between the internal cap member 7 and the external cap member 5". lIn the embodiment of apparatus shown in FIGURE 7, this annular compartment between the cap members 7 and 5 allows air to not only enter through the channel 6, but also beneath the discharge tube 8. This annular copartment renders possible an improved accommodation of this inventive apparatus to the variable operational conditions or requirements, as such have already been considered.

Continuing, it should be understood that the spray jet discharge tube 8 with its possible insert means 8 not only has the job of improving the ejector effect, but also must conduct the spray jet 4 together with the infed air through the cap member 5" in order to prevent any turbulence.

The attachment mechanism which has been illustrated in FIGURE 6 has been shown in greater detail in FIG- URES 7 and 8, and more specifically, in the form of a pistol-like handle assembly. Turning attention now to FIGURES 7 and 8, there will be recognized for the rst time the actuation lever 9 which is located in the channel 6. This actuation lever 9 includes a lever arm 9 which operates the spray nozzle 2 and simultaneously serves as a movable regulation member for controlling the cross-section of the channel 6. Furthermore, it will be recognized by referring to the exploded view of the device shown in FIGURE 8 that the walls of the channel 6 are provided with bearing supports 10 capable of receiving the pivot shaft means 10 of the actuation lever 9. Apart from the lever arm 9. this actuation lever 9 also includes a trigger portion 9". Now, if the trigger portion 9" of lthe actuation lever member 9 is squeezed, then the lever arm 9 will be pressed against the spray nozzle 2 and the spray can will begin to spray. The ejector action, which has already been considered, now sucks air through the channel 6 which merges with the pistol-like handle 6 and sucks up air at such location. Depending upon the size of the opening 15 which appears between the handle 6 and the trigger portion 9, it is possible for more or less air, as shown by the arrows 16, to enter the negative pressure chamber of the cap member 7 through the associated window or opening 7. Additionally, a limited quantity of air can be sucked through the hole or aperture 11 provided in the handle 6', and this primarily serves for venting purposes during intermittent operation. Additionally, a certain negative or reduced pressure is likewise produced in the annular compensation chamber located between the cap members 7 and 5". This serves to equalize or compensate the air which arrives at the annular compensation chamber above the lever arm 9 as well as also to compensate the air which enters beneath the spray jet discharge tube 8. As a result, a compensation action is provided which accommodates the different operational phases (such as starting, full operation, and stopping of the spraying activity) and further accommodates for the dropping pressure in the spray can 1 which occurs during use.

This compensation action is particularly important in this case because, as is known, negative pressure processes react much more sensitively than overpressure processes, thus, for instance, respond much more sensitively to changes in cross-section. FIGURE 8 shows the inventive actuation mechanism of FIGURE 7 in an exploded view with the exception of the inner cap member 7 which is normally located in the external cap member 5". By referring to this figure, there will be recognized the air infeed channel 6, the walls of which are provided with the bearing slots 10 for the pivot shaft means 10 of the actuation lever 9 which includes the lever arm 9 and the trigger portion 9". Furthermore, at the cover member 6" of the inventive illustrative embodiment of actuation mechanism, there are provided two rib members 12 which can be inserted in guides 12 provided Yat both sides of the channel 6. They serve to hold in position the shaft means 10 after mounting. The recess 19 for receiving the trigger portion 9 of the actuation lever 9 is shown in phantom lines in FIGURE 8. Furthermore, it should be understood that the wall portions which extend from the handle 6' up to the cap member 5" have only esthetic and functionally anatomical significance. It would be readily possible to connect the handle 6 directly to the channel 6.

By further referring to FIGURE 8, it should be understood that the cam 14 of a curved or cam plate 13 can be inserted through a slot 14 from inside of the handle 6' and held in such position by any suitable means, for instance a spring. This cam plate 13 possesses, in addition to the for instance curved steep plane surface 13', a grooved portion or groove 13". lf the cam 14 is located at the lowermost position of the slot 14, then the trigger portion 9" of the actuation lever 9 can be freely depressed. The higher that the cam 14 is upwardly displaced, the less it is possible to depress the trigger portion 9" of the actuation lever 9 because it comes to bear with its rear edge 15 against the steep plane surface 13. In the uppermost position of the cam plate 13 the rear edge 15 of the trigger portion 9" engages with the groove 13 and, thus, the actuation lever 9 is then blocked. The resilient action of the material is completely sufficient for this locking operation. If the cam 14 and the groove 13" are appropriately constructed, then this lock can advantageously serve as a so-called safety device for children.

From the previous description it should be apparent that the invention can be modified in a number of different ways without departing from the underlying concepts. Thus, it is also possible instead of using the pistol-like handle of FIGURES 7 and 8 to employ a differently configured handle which, for instance, can be useful if a pistol-like handle is too bulky. The configuration or shape is only of functional importance insofar as it relates to a construction involving flow considerations, in other words with respect to the components 5, 7, 8, 6, 9 and the like, which are involved with the spray jet of the nozzle or the infed air, its direction and regulation.

It should be apparent from the foregoing detailed description that the objects set forth at the outset to the specification have been successfully achieved.

What is claimed is:

1. An actuation mechanism for `attachment to a spray can havlng a valve knob member constructed as a spray nozzle provided with a nozzle opening comprising an actuation member for actuating the spray nozzle, means providing a negative pressure chamber enclosing the spray nozzle in order to admix dosed directed air with the spray jet emanating from the nozzle opening of the spray nozzle, a spray iet discharge tube provided at said negative pressure chamber, said spray jet discharge tube being disposed in front of and spaced a substantial distance from said nozzle opening and at least approximately in alignment with its spray jet, means defining an air infeed channel facing away from said spray nozzle and communicating with said negative pressure chamber, said air infeed channel being at least approximately aligned with the spray jet, and means for regulating the quantity of air which can be sucked through said air infeed channel.

2. An actuation mechanism for attachment to a spray can as defined in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said actuation member comprises a lever member arranged in the air infeed channel, said lever member forming a portion of the wall of said air infeed channel so that it is possible to control the cross-section of said air infeed channel as well as the direction of the air emanating from said `air infeed channel and arriving at said spray nozzle.

3. An actuation mechanism for attachment to a spray can as defined in claim 2, wherein said lever member which cooperates with said air infeed channel defines at least a potrion of the means for regulating the quantity of air which can be sucked through the air infeed channel.

4. An actuation mechanism for attachment to a spray can as defined in claim 2, further including adjustable impact means cooperating with said actuation lever member in order to selectively obtain during repeated spraying operation the same degree of opening of the nozzle opening of said spray nozzle or to selectively lock said lever member.

5. An actuation mechanism for attachment to a spray can as defined in claim 1, wherein said spray jet discharge tube is adjustable in order to regulate the negative pressure produced by the spray jet.

6. An actuation mechanism for attachment to a spray can as defined in claim 1, wherein said spray jet discharge tube is exchangeable in order to regulate the negative pressure produced by the spray jet.

7. An actuation mechanism'for attachment to a spray can as defined in claim 1, further including an adjustable insert member provided for said spray jet discharge tube in order to regulate the negative pressure produced by the spray jet.

8. An actuation mechanism for attachment to a spray can as dened in claim 1, further including an insert member which is exchangeable in order to regulate the negative pressure which is produced by the spray jet.

9. An actuation mechanism for attachment to a spray can as defined in claim 1, further including means providing a compensation chamber arranged about said negative pressure chamber, and means communicating said negative pressure chamber with said compensation chamber, and means communicating said compensation chamber with the surrounding air.

10. An actuation mechanism for attachment to a spray can as defined in claim 9, wherein said negative pressure chamber and said compensation chamber are arranged to be substantially concentric with respect to one another and define therebetween an annular compartment which approximately corresponds in width to an annular lbead portion provided at the spray can.

1,1. An actuation mechanism for attachment to a spray can as defined in claim 10, further including means providing a pistol-like handle communicating with said negative pressure chamber, said air infeed channel communicating with said pistol-like handle, said actuation member including a lever member and a trigger portion connected with said lever member, said handle having an opening for receiving said trigger portion, said trigger portion being displaceably positionable in said opening of said handle in order to selectively close said opening to a certain desired degree, said pistol-like handle further including an aperture which allows for the entry of a limited quantity of air into the handle and thus into the,l compensation chamber and the negative chamber when the spray nozzle is closed.

12. An actuation mechanism for attachment to a spray can as defined in claim 11, wherein the trigger portion )f said actuation member which cooperates with the openng at the handle defines at least a portion of said means or regulating the quantity of air which can be sucked hrough said air infeed channel.

13. An actuation mechanism for attachment to a spray :an as dened in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of `iaid actuation member comprises Ia lever member ar- 'anged in the air infeed channel for movement relative yo the air infeed channel in a direction to increase the zrosssectional area of the air infeed channel upon movenent of the lever member in a direction to actuate the spray nozzle.

14. An lactuation mechanism for attachment to a spray :an as defined in claim 1, further including means deiining a compensation chamber arranged about said negative pressure chamber, said compensation chamber communicating both with said negative pressure chamber and with said air infeed channel.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,159,319 12/1964 Parish Z22-402.15 X

FOREIGN PATENTS 1,057,353 2/1967 Great Britain.

STANLEY H. TOLLBERG, Primary Examiner 

